What is Ortho-K and How Does it Help Myopia Progression?

Myopia is a refractive error in the eye where light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina instead of on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. Myopia is a widespread vision condition, affecting millions of people worldwide.
 

The primary causes of myopia include genetic factors, excessive near-work activities, and environmental influences like increased screen time and lack of outdoor time. Symptoms of myopia may include difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue during activities that require distance vision.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia is not just a simple vision problem - it can have serious long-term consequences if left unchecked. High levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of vision-threatening conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. Effective myopia management is crucial to prevent these complications and preserve your long-term eye health.
 

Myopia management strategies aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness, which can help minimize the risk of these sight-threatening issues. By addressing the underlying causes of myopia and implementing appropriate interventions, you can take control of your vision and safeguard your eyes for the future.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction technique that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. These lenses are worn overnight while you sleep, and they gently mold the cornea to improve its curvature, effectively correcting refractive errors like myopia.
 

Unlike traditional contact lenses or eyeglasses, Ortho-K lenses are not worn during the day. Instead, they are removed in the morning, leaving you with clear, sharp vision without the need for any other corrective devices. This makes Ortho-K an attractive option for those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts.
 

How Does Ortho-K Work for Slowing Myopia Progression?

The Ortho-K process involves wearing the specialized contact lenses for a certain period, typically overnight, to gradually reshape the cornea. The lenses apply gentle pressure on the cornea, flattening the central region and steepening the peripheral areas. This change in corneal curvature alters the way light enters the eye, effectively correcting refractive errors like myopia.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that Ortho-K can significantly slow the rate of myopia progression in children and adolescents, often by 50% or more compared to those who do not use Ortho-K.
 

Is Ortho-K Right for You?

Ortho-K is a revolutionary vision correction technique that offers a promising solution for managing myopia progression. By gently reshaping the cornea during overnight wear, Ortho-K can significantly slow the advancement of nearsightedness, reducing the risk of serious vision-threatening conditions later in life.
 

Schedule a consultation with our Ortho-K specialists to learn more about how this innovative vision correction technique can help you or your child manage myopia progression. Visit eye&I™ at our office in Bayside, New York, or call (718) 279-2020 to book an appointment today.